Back to School

What do the words "Back to School" conjure up in your mind? Book bags, paper, pens and glue? Well, when you work at a shoe store the first thing that comes to my mind is shoes.

Forty-some years ago, when I went back to school we didn't have many options. It was all about "support" and "arches." The biggest name in girls shoes was Bass and the place to get them in Toms River, NJ, was Florsheim Shoes on Main Street. It was a really big deal to get new shoes. Our parents didn't care if we outgrew our shoes during the year, we still had to wait until August to buy new ones.

My back to school shoes were Bass Platform Oxfords (just like those shown left). Not only did they make me feel important, but they made me taller by about an inch and a half. And to a brace-faced, bottle cap eyeglass wearing, nerdy tween that meant everything! I looked a lot like Sue Heck from "The Middle" without the bubbly personality or self confidence.

My girlfriend, Judy, had a pair of Bass Weejuns (below right). You basically had two choices - those with fringe and those without. They were all leather and all cordovan color. And you just weren't cool if you didn't put the pennies in your loafers.


It must have cost an entire week's paycheck for a pair of shoes back then, so when we got them we took care of them and didn't dream of wearing them anywhere else besides school, church or synagogue. I wore those shoes Monday-Friday with skirts and pants. We didn't wear jeans to school in those days, if you can believe that. I got two pairs of corduroy pants from the Copper Rivet store before school started and they also had to last me all year long...despite growth or wear.

Up North, school always began after Labor day weekend, unlike Georgia, where our kids go back the first week in August. Since my mother refused to buy me new summer clothes, I would always start the school year wearing a pleated plaid skirt, button-down shirt and Shetland wool sweater with my knee socks and Bass shoes. By lunchtime my button-down shirt was completely soaked with sweat! (It's still hot as hell in September).

Kids today are fortunate. They have more choices than they realize...from sneakers with characters on them to Nikes, sandals to Sperrys and many, many more. This year's hottest selling shoes for teen girls was the Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. And the most popular color by far was white (shown left). I sold more of those shoes than any other shoe in our entire store. Why? I feel certain it wasn't either support or arches. I think it's nostalgia. Their parents and grandparents used to wear them (mostly for PE). Not me, I had the "Reeboks with the straps." LOL!

I don't often reflect on those awkward days of yon, but something about the words "back to school" always take me right "back" there. There's something nostalgic about children getting fitted for shoes after wearing flip-flops all summer long and complaining how tight they feel.

Here's wishing everyone a terrific school year!

Happy feet make for a happy home!
Erica

The Shoe Salesman Gets a Bad Rep

Ever wonder why the profession of selling shoes gets such a bad rep? I used to laugh at the antics of Al Bundy when he was working in the shoe store on "Married With Children," and yet, I took a part-time job working in a shoe store. I think most people get the willies when they think about touching someone else's feet. I know I did. But for the most part, we never touch feet unless we're measuring a child's foot in a Brannock Device (yes, that metal sliding contraption actually has a name).

There's much more to selling shoes than merely convincing a customer to buy a pair of shoes. I'm a therapist...I listen to people tell me why they need new shoes or where they are planning on wearing them. I listen to them share the details of an upcoming trip or sporting event. And most importantly, I listen to what they like and dislike about their current shoes. I'm a personal shopper...I see pictures of the prom dress or hear about the outfit and help them find something that will look great with it. I'm a matchmaker...I try to match each and every customer with the perfect shoe, all while taking into consideration their foot size, need for support and desire for comfort. And I'm an expert...learning all I can about the design construction of each shoe and manufacturer. Did you know that most Nike's are manufactured in countries like Indonesia, China and Vietnam? Despite the random "inspection" of the athletic shoes, you may find differences between the two shoes a single box. That is why I always recommend trying on BOTH shoes. Many people also have one foot that is larger than the other. If you don't try on both shoes you may not find out that one is ill-fitting until you get home. Nike's also run narrower than many other brands of athletic shoes. So, if you have a wide foot I suggest looking for an Asics or New Balance which tend to run wider.

Often a customer will come in looking for one shoe and end up leaving with something very different. Price, color and availability are often contributing factors, but sometimes you (the salesman) show them that what they thought they wanted was not what was best for their feet. The most common request I get is for a "good walking shoe." Well, what's "good" for me may not be right for you. If you're planning on walking down the cobblestone streets of England there's hardly a better walking shoe than Clarks. Clarks have wonderful support, great construction and terrific shock absorption. Shown left is the Recent Alley, $79 from their Tried and True Collection.

But if you're planning to take a cruise or a walk around Atlanta for the day, I might suggest the GOWalk3 by Sketchers. Sketchers new memory foam insole and lightweight construction make this shoe an ideal choice for most women. It's available in a variety of colors for about $59 or less.

So, next time you walk into a shoe store and tell that salesman "you're just looking," keep in mind that the job they do is no joke. They're there to help you and you don't have to pay extra for their expertise.

Until next week...Happy feet make for a happy home!
Erica

Can You Ever Have Too Many?

Have you ever noticed that on average men have one pair of shoes for every 20 pairs a woman has? Most men seem content with one pair of dress blacks, one pair of brown casuals for work, two pairs of sneakers (one for everyday and one for yard work) and one or two pairs of sandals. That's it. Women, on the other hand, have at least 10 pairs of black shoes of varying styles. I, personally have over 100 pairs of shoes. I keep them in two closets - many in their original boxes. Any man I go out with knows better than to ask the question, "How many pairs of shoes do you have?" Unless I'm moving them into your house, the answer to that is irrelevant.

Women have a special relationship with their shoes. Every shoe has a story...a personality of its own. We remember where we got each one or which outfit(s) we bought it to go with. And every shoe aficionado can relate to the sight of fashionista, Stacy London, as she breathes in the glorious scent of shoe leather while holding the bright blue pump in the intro of What Not to Wear. London herself has a wild fetish for shoes. She's seen here in her own shoe closet.

Shoe lovers found their muse in Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker). She adored shoes...new ones, old ones. Each pair like a member of her family. She maxed out her credit cards on shoes, while single-handedly making Manolo Blahnik a household name. Who can forget the episode where she started her own registry to replace the pair of Manolos stolen at a friend's baby shower? Or the day she interviewed at Vogue and found the vintage pair of Mary Janes (right). Many of her ridiculously high heels can now be found represented in a great print entitled, "The Many Shoes of Carrie Bradshaw" (popchartlab.com $29).

You don't have to agree with someone's preference in shoes to admire the way they've displayed them. Shown above (top) is Khloe Kardashian's shoe closet. I love the way she sorts her shoes by style, then color. Her designer of choice seems to be Christian Louboutin, and she keeps many of them together like sisters. Does a shoe obsession seem crazy? Maybe, but not to someone who has one. To us, shoes are more than an accessory...they are THE accessory!

Have a terrific week! Keep me posted on your sandal success.

Happy feet make for a happy home!

Erica

Sandals...Not the Resort

Ladies, it's that time of year. The time when we put away our socks, treat ourselves to a pedicure and break out the sandals. Yay! Sandal season can't arrive soon enough for me. My feet just want to bust out of the confinement of a closed shoe and be as close to naked as possible.

Last year, the gladiator was all the rage. This year, there seem to be more choices...from wedges and espadrilles to sporty sandals and slides. And the choices we have are simpler. Simple styles that go with everything from skirts and capris to your rolled up skinny jeans. Even the bejeweled styles like the Aspiga Starfish shown above ($69.95 at Soft Surroundings) are sheer simplicity. At the beach or out to dinner after, they're simply beautiful.

If you're looking for something to wear on a short hike or white water rafting, may I suggest a durable, rugged sport sandal by a company like Columbia, Keen, Teva, Khombu, Rockport or even Dr. Scholl's. Expect to pay $45-$65 and plan to TRY THEM ON! I, too, enjoy the convenience of ordering online, but these you need to experience in person. If something is rubbing your foot in the first five minutes, it's not going to feel better with time. Consider it an investment. I've had my Columbia sandals for at least 10 years and still LOVE them!


Now, if you know anything about me you know I'm all about comfort. But his season Carlos Santana has really outdone himself with his high, but cute as hell platform sandals. I've seen them on all types of women and they look fab on everyone. Plus, I have it on good authority that once you get them both on and walk in them until you acclimate they feel fab, too.


You're probably saying, "That's great and all, but I need a sandal that's work appropriate...something I can stand in for hours" Well, you're not alone. This Plush Pillow Wedge by Aerosoles (Famous Footwear $49.99) promises style and comfort. You can wear it with everything from khakis to slacks or even skirts. And the more you wear them, the more the suede lining conforms to your foot. The best thing about this sandal is that next year you won't have to replace it with the next best thing. It's trendy and timeless.

Last, but not least, is the truly simple sandal. My pic for the season is this Sharin by B.O.C. At first glance these sandals were not my favorite (they reminded me of something you'd see on a kibutz), but since wearing them they've really grown on me. I wear mine with skirts, shorts or jeans and receive compliments on them all the time. Slightly more than a thong sandal, they are versatile and comfortable. I can wear them all day with no complaints from my heels or calves.

So now it's your turn. Go out there and find some cute sandals! Most are reasonably priced, but look for sales and promotions. Many shoe stores have loyalty programs and if you start shopping now, you'll have enough points to get your Fall shoes for free.

Keep those comments coming. Happy feet make for a happy home!

Erica

What Goes Round Comes Round



If you were born before 1970 you probably remember when cork wedges and wooden platforms were in style the first time. I was 15 when I had a pair just like these Franco Sarto Sophie 2 leather crisscross sandals (Famous Footwear $30). I wore mine with a brown suede messenger bag - complete with peace sign patch and fringe.

Another throw back to our hippie generation is the Birkenstock sandal. These could be seen on men and women, with or without socks. Their popularity has waxed and waned since Woodstock, but their resurgence has really peaked this spring. They are now available in pastel colors and metallic, too.

Speaking of vintage shoes, the Converse High-top (Chuck Taylor) All Stars were originally worn by basketball players in 1917. In 1946, my father wore them for PE at P.S. 3 in Brooklyn. And today, they are all the rage with teen boys and girls alike. Are they wearing them for basketball? Nah. They wear them because they're cool!

Know what else is making its comeback this year? Keds. That's right. And the spokesperson for the canvas classic is none other than country music sensation, Taylor Swift. They look and feel the same way they did 30 years ago. Taylor wouldn't know anything about that because she wasn't born yet.

So, what has this taught us about current shoe trends? That we used to be really cool...and our kids are just figuring that out now. Hang onto your old shoes. You never know what's going to come back around.

Blog ideas? Please send them to me. And remember...

Happy feet make for a happy home!

Erica   

The Low Down on the High Heel

Women have had a love-hate relationship with the high heel since their inception in 1533, when Catherine de' Medici commissioned a pair be made in Florence especially for her wedding. Since then, high heels have been designed in many different styles and colors.

So, what constitutes a high heel? That would be any shoe with a heel between 2-5” (but could be even higher). Higher? Who can walk in anything higher without looking ridiculous? Not me. But my favorite shoe maven, Stacy London, would disagree. She has been quoted as saying, “The higher the heel, the closer to God.” That may be true, but after walking in a pair of high heels for a couple of hours, I’m usually praying that God gets me someplace where I can take them off and  wiggle the piggies. How can something that looks so good feel so bad?

And that brings me to another question…Can wearing high heels cause foot problems like bunions? Well, although wearing the wrong shoe (i.e., one that doesn’t fit properly) can cause all kinds of medical problems, it is widely believed that bunions are genetic. Wearing heels can be a component of bunions, primarily if your mother or grandmother had them.

One thing we can all agree on is that there’s nothing like a high heel to elongate a woman’s legs and accentuate her calves. You’ve heard the song from Annie “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile?” My version is “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Heel.” Be it a nightclub, a Bar Mitzvah or the red carpet, a beautiful pair of heels can make an outfit. Just keep in mind there are all kinds of thin pads out there designed to slip into the sole that make standing, walking or dancing a bit more tolerable.

This week I had a recommendation from a customer. She shared with me that her favorite heels are Sam Edelman’s Delilah (available for $110 at Nordstrom). They look sleek and sexy - black with a touch of snakeskin. But the true test is comfort. She says she can wear them all day. Let’s try them and see. Sam, want to send me a pair? I wear an 8 ½.

Please keep those comments coming.

Happy feet make for a happy home!

Erica





Cinderella

We are taught at a very early age that if the shoe fits the prince will marry you. Now that I've reached 50, I realize that the prize is not the prince but rather the fit of the shoe. Why is it so difficult to find a shoe that's cute and comfortable? I work in a shoe store (one that shall remain nameless...at least for now) and I have trouble finding a shoe that fits well. In fact, I feel like I'm on a never-ending journey to find the perfect black pump.

Why can't designers seem to get it? Women want a pump to fit us in length, without slipping off our heels. We want it to be slightly pointy, without being too tight across the toes. We want the heel high enough to make our calves look incredible, without being so high we're either pitched forward or walking on stilts. And most importantly, we want the innersole to feel like we've stepped onto a cloud. With the advent of memory foam it shouldn't be that difficult, right? So why is it? Please tell me Steve Madden, Jessica Simpson, Carlos Santana, Fergie or any number of shoe designers. And as for the high-end designers, we all know that Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Prada design shoes to be seen and not worn. They're what I call "sittin' shoes." You can walk as far as from the car to the table, but don't plan on standing all day in them. So you might say there are comfortable shoes out there...Naturalizer, Aerosoles, Life Stride, Easy Spirit, Bjorn. Let's get real, they still look like shoes your grandma should be wearing! There's nothing sexy about them. And truth be told, they're comfortable for about two hours and that's it. I know; I work in a shoe store, remember? Always on my feet.

So, I decided to start this Blog - The Shoe Jew - for all you women who, like me, LOVE SHOES but can't seem to find the perfect pair. I'll let you know where the deals are; share with you what's hot and what's not; and keep you up-to-date on my search for the perfect black pump. Please feel welcome to share any of your insights with me and our readers.

Happy feet make for a happy home!

Erica